Springer is hitting .231 with 20 home runs in 78 games. The Astros have held their own without his powerful bat in the lineup, as they were 15-16 since he went on the DL prior to Saturday night's game against the Indians.

"It's tough not to be out there with my teammates," Springer said. "That's the hardest part of being on the DL. But the good thing is that we're playing good baseball, so that makes it easier to take."

John Perrotto is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.